Prominent loyalist 'living under threat' prior to murder

A leading loyalist murdered in North Belfast last night had been warned that his life was under threat.

Police have appealed for calm and say that there will be an increased police presence in the area over the next few days due to Sunday Night's shooting.  UDA member John Boreland, who was heavily linked with criminal activity was gunned down in Sunningdale Gardens in the predominantly unionist area Ballysillan area. Police have ruled out a sectarian motive but are investigating the possibility of loyalist infighting  

First Minister Arlene Foster was among those who condemmned the killing of John Boreland. saying that she was "shocked and disgusted" to hear about the murder.  The MLA also urged people to cooperate with the police

Shocked and disgusted to hear of a murder in nth Belfast tonight. I urge everyone to work with the police as they investigate.

— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) August 7, 2016

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness branded the shooting "shameless".

"There can be no justification for the murder of a well known Loyalist in N.Belfast tonight," he tweeted.

"This was shameful & I unreservedly condemn it."

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

There can be no justification for the murder of a well known Loyalist in N.Belfast tonight.This was shameful & I unreservedly condemn it.

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) 7 August 2016

Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire said on Twitter: "Concerned to hear of fatal shooting in N Belfast. No place for violence in communities. Urge anyone with info to contact PSNI."

Ulster Unionist member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Ross Hussey, echoed those sentiments saying: "I am very saddened to hear of a fatal shooting in north Belfast.

"Murder is murder and cannot be justified. It must be condemned."

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice."

Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway of the Serious Crimes Branch has been placed in charge of the investigation. He confirmed that "tensions within Loyalist paramilitarism" were part of their inquiries.  They added that Mr Boreland had been warned about his safety in recent months especially given that he had survived an attempt on his life in 2014.  Two years ago Mr Boreland was shot in the thigh by rival loyalists

Chief Inspector Galloway also said that there would be increased police patrols throughout North Belfast over the coming days amid fears of retaliation attacks.  While he would not be drawn on whether or not police believed he was shot by other UDA members, the detective did say they thought the killing had an element of planning to it.

Local police superintendent Paula Hilman reiterated the calls for calm asking for people "not to take the law into their own hands".